Roberto De Zerbi has revealed what went on behind the scenes with Richarlison as public fallout between the Brazilian forward and Tottenham continues.
Addressing the situation during his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi emphasised that Richarlison instigated his own exit strategy early in the summer. “I think Richarlison he decided everything alone,” De Zerbi stated (via Football London).
“He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season and told me his idea and desire was to leave. At the end we go to bring another striker and like I said at the beginning of the pre-season, I want to keep the players, just the players that want to stay and be proud and with the right passion to stay here.”
De Zerbi distanced himself from board-level negotiations, adding: “For everything and other problems, it is not my business and not my job. It is the responsibility of the club. I can’t say nothing because I didn’t decide anything. The message of Richarlison from the beginning of the season has been very clear. I accepted that and for me nothing.”
What did Richarlison post on social media?
Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
De Zerbi’s comments came after Richarlison released an explosive statement on social media.
Taking to Instagram, the 29-year-old attacker wrote: “After everything I’ve been through in the last few years, I’ve decided that NEVER AGAIN will anyone decide my future for me.
“I went through a lot of bad things, and almost all of them happened because decisions were made by other people. Pressure, threats, retaliation – none of that scares me.”
He added that he expected Tottenham to respect his position:
“I’ve always made it clear, at every opportunity, that any move of mine to another place would also have to be good for the club. If it wasn’t, I would never accept it. Just like I didn’t accept it when everything here was falling apart and they needed me.
“I stayed and gave my life. So, I…
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